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England suffered semi-final heartbreak at the World Cup yet again as Mario Mandzukic’s extra time winner crushed the dreams of a nation.

Their bid to get to a first Final since 1966 couldn’t have got off to a better start as Trippier, arguably the best right back at the tournament, curled a brilliant free kick into the top corner inside five minutes.

England were made to regret missing some golden chances to build on their lead though as Croatia came on strong in the second half and extra time.

Then at the half hour mark Jesse Lingard played top scorer Harry Kane in on goal. His first shot was blocked by keeper Danijel Subasic and Croatia’s goalie then deflected the rebound from close range off the post.

It was a rather sensitive part of Walker’s anatomy that got in the way of Ivan Perisic’s shot.

England still looked capable of getting a second on the rare times they ventured across the halfway line. A Lingard strike deflected over and Dejan Lovren cleared brilliantly in front of Kane.

When the equaliser arrived, it came out of nothing. Sime Vrsaljko’s cross floated to the back post, but Perisic was quickest to react running past Walker and Trippier to steer home.

There was a question over how high his foot was raised in relation to Walker’s head, but the goal was allowed to stand.

England looked rattled at seeing the lead evaporate and their opponents sensed it, launching wave after wave of attacks.

The composure Southgate’s team had played with deserted them as they failed to clear a hopeful punt up field. Again the ball landed at the feet of Persic, luckily his drive came off the post and Ante Rebic chipped the rebound straight into the grateful arms of Pickford.

Somehow, England survived to take it into extra time, the third successive time in the knock-out stages that Croatia failed to win in the 90 minutes.

The stoppage gave Southgate crucial seconds to lift his players and they responded. The introduction of fresh legs from the bench of Danny Rose and Eric Dier - Marcus Rashford had already replaced Sterling - made a difference too.

And it was so close to more set piece glory again as Stones’ header from Trippier’s corner was cleared off the line by Vrsaljko.

But back came Croatia - Persic’s fine ball found Mandzukic six yards out, but Pickford came to the rescue.